Perceptions of Sexual Misconduct and the Overall Role of Peer Athletic Training Students, Athletes, Preceptors, and Coaches.

Sexual misconduct in society is found throughout the literature. In healthcare, there is a paucity of research in regard to the understanding of what constitutes sexual misconduct, especially when examining the thoughts of students who are required to be a part of a clinical rotation. The purpose of this study was to examine athletic training students' perceptions of sexual harassment and to determine whether role (i.e., peer student, athlete, preceptor, coach) influenced their determination of what constitutes sexual harassment. A 21-item scenario questionnaire was sent to the 460 professional and post-professional Commission on the Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) program directors with a link to forward to the current students. The scenarios were used to understand the students' level of where an action by a peer athletic training student, athlete, preceptor, or coach might fall on the sexual misconduct continuum. Results demonstrated that athletic training students tended to be more for-giving toward peers or athletes than preceptors or coaches. In order for clinical students to feel safe in their rotations, a greater understanding of what constitutes sexual misconduct must occur.